How to set up a company in Dubai? Setting up a company in Dubai is an important strategic step for investors and entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses in a dynamic and diverse economic environment. Known as one of the fastest growing cities in the world, Dubai offers an attractive business environment that combines advanced infrastructure, flexible legislation, and an ideal geographical location that connects European, Asian, and African markets. In addition, Dubai offers multiple tax benefits and easy company formation procedures, making it a preferred choice for local and international investors alike.

Dubai is an important commercial gateway in the Middle East and North Africa region, offering tremendous investment opportunities in various sectors such as trade, tourism, technology, and real estate. The Dubai Free Zone also makes it easy for investors to establish their companies without the need for a local partner, giving them complete freedom to manage their business and retain full ownership. In addition, government facilities and support provided by entities such as Itqan help investors complete all legal and administrative procedures easily and quickly.

Setting up a business in Dubai is not just about taking advantage of its geographical location or infrastructure facilities, but also about the diverse and growing economy that is always looking to innovate and evolve. With the continuous support of the government and its initiatives to attract foreign investments, Dubai has become an ideal platform for business growth and global success. In partnership with specialized companies such as Itqan, investors can ensure a smooth and successful setup process, paving the way for achieving their business goals in a market that is flexible and offers endless opportunities.

Types of companies that can be established in Dubai

Dubai is one of the most important investment destinations in the world, offering an integrated and encouraging business environment for investors from all over the world. Thanks to its strategic geographical location and diverse economic sectors, Dubai enables investors to establish their companies with ease and convenience. The emirate offers a variety of options for establishing companies, whether you are looking to establish a local or international company. These options vary to meet the needs of different types of businesses, allowing investors to choose the structure that suits their commercial and strategic goals. Types of companies that can be established in Dubai:

• Limited Liability Company (LLC): This type of company is the most common in Dubai, and allows foreign investors to own a large stake in the company, but some activities may require a local partner with a 51% stake. LLC provides flexibility in managing the business and allows profits to be distributed according to the agreed ratios between the partners.
• Free Zone Company: Companies are established in free zones with the aim of providing a business environment that encourages investment, where foreign investors can own the company 100% without the need for a local partner. Free zone companies are exempt from local taxes and enjoy multiple incentives such as visa facilitation and low operating costs.
• Offshore: This type of company is for investors who want to run their business internationally from Dubai, without the need for a physical presence or local operations. Offshore companies have low operating costs and flexibility in transferring profits and capital, and are ideal for managing assets and international business activities.
• Local Branch of a Foreign Company: This category allows foreign companies to open a branch in Dubai, while maintaining full ownership of the company. This option is ideal for global companies looking to expand their operations in the Middle East.
• Sole Proprietorship: Individuals can establish a sole proprietorship in Dubai to carry out commercial activities, where the owner is fully responsible for his business. This type of company gives complete freedom to manage the business but carries a high risk as the owner is responsible for the debts and obligations of the company.

Dubai offers a variety of options for setting up businesses, giving investors the freedom to choose the structure that best suits their goals and business requirements.

Documents required to establish a company in Dubai

Establishing a company in Dubai is an important step for investors looking to enter a dynamic global market with unique competitive advantages. Whether you are planning to establish a company on the mainland or in one of the free zones, Dubai provides a supportive business environment that combines flexible legislation and advanced infrastructure. However, before starting the incorporation process, investors must prepare a set of documents that ensure the smooth running of legal and administrative procedures. These documents vary depending on the type of company and the region in which the incorporation is taking place, but they remain the basic step to ensure that the business activity starts legally and in an organized manner. Documents required to establish a company in Dubai :

• Passport Copy: All founders and shareholders of the company are required to provide clear and recent copies of their passports. This is an essential requirement for identification and verification of personal information.
• Personal photo: A recent personal photo of the founders and shareholders must be submitted, in accordance with the standards followed in visa transactions and official documents.
• Proof of Address: Founders are required to provide proof of current address, which can be a recent utility bill or bank statement showing the residential address.
• Submitting a business plan: In the event of applying for licenses in free zones or for commercial activities of a special nature, investors must submit a business plan that explains the nature of the commercial activity, the company’s objectives and how it will operate.
• Approval of the competent authorities: For some commercial activities such as financial or health services, approval must be obtained from the competent authorities such as the Department of Health or the Central Bank.
• Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association: This agreement includes details about the partners and the percentage of shares owned by each, as well as the rules governing the management of the company. This agreement may be required to be certified by the relevant government authorities.
• Submitting a notice of the company name: Investors must submit a notice of the company name they wish to register, provided that the name is in compliance with the legal conditions and standards in Dubai.
• Office or company headquarters lease contract: Establishing a company in Dubai requires a physical address, so a lease or ownership contract for the company’s headquarters must be submitted, whether it is in the free zones or on the mainland.
• No Objection Letter (NOC): If one of the founders is already working for another company in Dubai, a No Objection Letter from the current employer may be required to allow the establishment of a new company.

By properly preparing and submitting the required documents, investors can ensure that the company formation process runs smoothly and quickly. In collaboration with specialized consulting firms such as Itqan, these procedures can be streamlined and delays avoided, allowing investors to focus on developing their businesses and achieving their business goals in Dubai.

Our company’s role in establishing a company in Dubai

In conclusion, establishing a company in Dubai is a strategic move that brings many advantages and benefits to investors and entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses in a vibrant and innovative economic environment. Dubai , thanks to its distinguished geographical location and advanced infrastructure, remains an ideal choice for companies seeking to access diverse global markets and achieve sustainable growth. The emirate provides a stimulating business environment based on transparency and ease of procedures, which contributes to attracting investors from all over the world.

Moreover, the continuous government support and initiatives aimed at boosting the economy have made Dubai a global hub for business and innovation. This support facilitates the procedures related to establishing companies, whether in free zones or outside them, and provides opportunities for expansion and prosperity in multiple sectors such as technology, trade, real estate, and tourism. Itqan plays a vital role in this context by providing integrated advisory and administrative services that contribute to accelerating the establishment process and avoiding the legal and administrative complications that investors may face.

Partnering with specialized companies such as Itqan gives investors peace of mind and confidence in making their investment decisions, as these companies provide comprehensive solutions for establishing companies, starting from the planning stage to the actual implementation. Through this cooperation, investors can focus on developing their businesses and achieving their commercial goals, while the legal and procedural aspects are handled efficiently and professionally.

By choosing Dubai as an investment destination, and utilizing the services of Itqan, investors are laying a solid foundation for long-term success in a competitive and prosperous environment. The future looks promising for companies that choose Dubai as a starting point, especially in light of the government’s commitment to developing the business environment and promoting innovation, which provides limitless opportunities for growth and success in local and international markets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Company in Dubai